Visitor Visa to Work Permit

A temporary public policy has been issued to allow certain temporary residents in Canada with a visitor status to apply for a work permit from within Canada. While all visitors in Canada can apply for an employer-specific work permit under the public policy, only those who held a work permit in the last 12 months may request interim authorization to work.

The public policy came into effect on August 24, 2020, and the eligibility criteria were expanded to allow all visitors who are in Canada with valid temporary resident status to apply inland for an employer-specific work permit, regardless of when they arrived in Canada. The public policy is being extended until February 28, 2025.

Eligibility requirements for visitors to apply for an employer-specific work permit

The foreign national

1. is in Canada with valid temporary resident status as a visitor, including status extensions under subsection 183(5) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), that is, maintained status, at the time of work permit application submission
2. has submitted an employer-specific work permit application using the Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker [IMM 5710]
3. has remained in Canada with status since application submission and intends to remain in Canada throughout the period during which their work permit application is being processed
4. submitted the application on or before February 28, 2025

Eligibility requirements for interim authorization to work

In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria for the work permit, a former work permit holder who converted to visitor status may also be eligible for interim authorization to work if they meet all the following:

• have valid temporary resident status at the time of work permit application submission and have remained in Canada with status since;
• held a valid work permit in the 12 months preceding the date on which they submitted their application for a work permit under this public policy, even though they are now only a visitor;
• intend to work for the employer and occupation specified by the LMIA or LMIA-exempt offer of employment included in their work permit application submitted under the public policy;
• have applied to IRCC for the interim authorization to work as per this public policy using the IRCC Web form; and
• have requested that the authorization to work be applicable until a decision is made on their work permit application.